Darrell Penn

Darrell Wayne Penn was born November 9, 1951 in Hazen, Arkansas.  He departed this life on Thursday, February 11, 2021.  Darrell was probably the hardest working person ever known.  He began working at a young age at Jeffcoat Service Station.  He yearned to learn any and everything he could.  He was not much for small talk, nor did he care about the latest technology.  He was a simple man, a man of his word who did not mind getting his hands dirty and refuse to just sit around doing nothing.  If there was a job to be done, tell him and it got done quickly no questions asked. Although not a big sports fan, he loved the Arkansas Razorbacks.  Whenever, they played in Little Rock, he would try to be in the stands rooting for them.  He enjoyed going to his brother’s Church in Des Arc where he could see many of his family members.

As a young man Darrell understood the need for a good education.  He attended Shorter College in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Darrell served his country in the United States Army from May 31, 1972 to June 7, 1975. After his military service he was employed at Remington in Lonoke, Arkansas. Then he worked for Pat Simon, which is a subcontractor for the US Postal Service as a Mail Handler.  Darrell made many friends in his position as a Postal Driver between Little Rock and Memphis. It was not unusual for friends of the family to say, “I saw Darrel today,” or “Darrell honked at me over by Brinkley”, as he went about his day.

Darrell was proceeded in death by his parents, the late Rev. Russell and Sylvia Penn, Sr., his brother David Penn, Sr., and sisters Clara Fisher and Lorene Thomas. He also was proceeded in death by brothers’ Arthur Curlett, Oscar Curlett, James Curlett and Milton Curlett and sisters Margaree Balenton, Georgetta Bizzell, Jeannette Washington and Marie Crowder.

He leaves to cherish his memories: 5 children LaDonna (Marquis) Warren of San Antonio, Texas, Shayla Penn, Darrell Wayne Penn, Jr., both of Little Rock, Arkansas, Candais Marie (Tristian) Higgins of Jacksonville, Arkansas, Casey Jean (Craig) Williams of Fayetteville, Arkansas and 15 grandchildren. Sisters, Linda Penn, of California, Luada Smith, Ruby Thomas of Hazen, Arkansas, Rev. Russell (Neldia) Penn, Jr., of Des Arc, Arkansas, Joseph (Donna) Penn of Queen Creek, Arizona, Robert Curlett of Hazen, Arkansas, Elizabeth (Leonard) Gerren of Dayton, Ohio, and John (Norma) Curlett of Conway, Arkansas. A special niece Paula Smith and a special friend John Russell, Sr. A host of nieces, nephews, and friends.  He will be sorely missed by all.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 27. 2021 at Boyd Funeral Home in Lonoke, Arkansas. A visitation will take place prior to the service beginning at 10:00 AM at the funeral home. He will be interred privately at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.